IRS not effectively managing software licenses, watchdog says

Aug. 20, 2013 - 06:00AM
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The IRS is not appropriately managing software licenses for its computer systems, according to a report released Tuesday by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA).

The IRS has failed to establish agencywide or local policies for license management, and does not have tools to track or manage licenses or detect inactive licenses, according to TIGTA.

“Efficient and cost-effective management of the IRS’s software assets is crucial to ensuring that information technology services continue to support the IRS’s business operations,” said J. Russell George, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.

TIGTA recommended that the IRS develop policies and guidance for managing software licenses and also develop an inventory of software licenses. The agency should manage the inventory and reduce unneeded licenses, helping to cut costs.

The IRS agreed with the findings and will implement changes, according to TIGTA.